WBA to give special trophy to winner of Pacquiao vs Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – If the World Boxing Council (WBC) will fasten an emerald green and diamond-encrusted belt around the waist of either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the conclusion of their long-awaited bout, the World Boxing Association (WBA) will award a bronze and gold-plated trophy on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

The honoring of the exquisite memento to the super-fight’s victor was confirmed by WBA vice-president Jesus Gilberto Mendoza during his trip to Mexico.

“There will be a special trophy on our part. We have not named it yet because we are still designing it,” he said as quoted by Boxing Scene.

Aside from WBC‘s emerald-studded strap and WBA’s special trophy, three versions of the 147-pound top prizes will be on the line in the heavily-hyped confrontation, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao stakes his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt that he reclaimed from Timothy Bradley Jr. in April 2014, while Mayweather seeks to unify his WBC and WBA titles with the Filipino’s championship possession.

According to Mendoza, he believes that Mayweather’s reach advantage and style of fighting would play a pivotal role in dictating the match’s tempo.

Similar to in-ring tacticians such as Willie Pep, Wilfredo Benitez and Pernell Whitaker, Mayweather is known for his distinctive brand of defensive guile, utilizing his shoulder roll, high-guard and elbow block to get rid of the shots from his opponents.

With a 72-inch reach leverage over Pacquiao, he is likewise recognized as a minimal-but-accurate hitter, clobbering his counterparts with a drop jab, leaning right hand and inside slap hook.

“We know Floyd Mayweather’s style is to box and counter-attack, great defense. There will be distance between the two boxers that can make it a bit tedious at times,” he stated.

Mendoza stressed that Mayweather could walk out with a decision victory and added that Pacquiao’s busy pace could lead him into a serious situation against a technical fighter like the unbeaten American boxer.

“[Mayweather] may win by a very close decision,” he quipped. “Pacquiao’s aggressiveness can turn against him.”

Pacquiao rose to stardom with his speed and power, two of his key traits that enabled him to capture 12 world titles in eight different weight classes. – Rappler.com